The coverage was very good and Hugh Edwards did a good job making sure the panel stopped talking at the right moments!
They discussed the fact that the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were attending for the first time together and the idea came up that the British Monarchy was a kind of evolutionary institution that slowly changes and evolves....that in terms of looking towards the day when Charles becomes king, by having him attend events like this sort of gets everyone used to the idea that one day there will be a new monarch.....that such a change is a slow paced, transition.

It was noted that the Queen's throne is slightly higher than the Duke of Edinboroughs and that the Prince of Wales' State Chair was slightly higher than the Duchess of Cornwalls.

Isn't this something the Prince of Wales should be doing every year? Why is this the first time since 1996 he has attended the State Opening of Parliament. Surely he can make sure his diary is free for such an important event.

It's not about making room in the diary, he's allowed to go but you'll notice the year he last attended and remember what's happened in between. After last year and the balcony appearance I believe this appearance is very much a 'Charles and Camilla are accepted as my heirs' show.

Isn't this something the Prince of Wales should be doing every year? Why is this the first time since 1996 he has attended the State Opening of Parliament. Surely he can make sure his diary is free for such an important event.

After the horribleness of the 90s and assault on the cost of the monarchy, the "other royals" quit attending the Opening of Parliament. It brought down the cost of the event, apparently. Public opinion was not in favor of the whole family trotting out for the event as had happened in the past.

And if you think about it, the Queen is reading what Parliament has written for her, rather than what she might choose to say, right? Much less what Charles might chose to say. Not really Charles' cup of tea, when you think about it.